Nexus Mods Founder Exits for Mental Health After 24 Years

After 24 years, Nexus Mods, the central hub for PC gaming modifications, is under new ownership. Founder Robin "Dark0ne" Scott has transferred control, citing the need to prioritize his mental well-being.

In a message published today, the figurehead of one of the internet's largest gaming websites outlined this new chapter. Scott has officially stepped down from Nexus Mods following extensive deliberation and discussions.

While many details remain private, the announcement confirms that two new individuals, Victor (aka Foledinho) and Marinus (aka Rapsak), have assumed leadership, with their profiles now listing the "Site Owner" title. This transition marks a new era for Nexus Mods and a necessary respite for its founder.

"The strain of being responsible for the behemoth I created has taken its toll.“

“The weight of responsibility for the platform I built has deeply affected me,” Scott explained. “The relentless stress of the role became a constant source of anxiety and health problems. I recognized my burnout was beginning to impact my team and Nexus Mods itself. I am convinced that stepping aside to welcome new leadership with fresh energy is the best path forward to build the modding community we all aspire to have.”

What began as a small passion project in Scott's bedroom for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind grew into a titan of the gaming world. According to its About Us page, this cornerstone of the PC gaming community now boasts 63.4 million users and over 16.8 billion file downloads, ranking it among the most visited UK-based websites globally.

The platform's massive growth came at a personal cost for Scott, who remained "on call" every single day for over two decades. While his departure from daily operations will bring changes, Scott assured the community that this shift is not a cause for alarm.

This is me doing something I probably should’ve done years ago: taking care of myself.“

“I've been gradually reducing my involvement behind the scenes for some time,” Scott clarified. “The team has successfully shouldered more responsibility in recent years, and the site has thrived. This change formalizes that process, ensuring the right people are in place to guide Nexus Mods into its future.”

Scott stated that his departure and minor structural adjustments are designed to ensure the site's long-term stability and will not disrupt current operations. He emphasized, “Nexus Mods is and will remain community-first and mod-author focused. That principle is non-negotiable.”

Although stepping back from direct leadership, Scott will remain engaged with the community via the Mod Author Discord and forums. He will also continue to support the site's 40-person team during the transition, relinquishing his public-facing duties.

“Yes, ownership of Nexus Mods has changed hands, but this is not a corporate exit or a secret deal,” Scott added. “This is me finally taking care of myself, reclaiming my mental space, and releasing the belief that I must carry every burden alone.”

For decades, Nexus Mods has hosted countless fan-made modifications for major franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Stardew Valley, Baldur’s Gate, and Cyberpunk 2077. Its responsiveness is legendary; moments after the surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion this year, the site was already populated with mods. As the essential destination for PC gamers to customize their experience, this first leadership change in 24 years naturally brings questions about its future direction.